A Heart So Ravenous (Sequel to A Love So Belated)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
36,880
Reviews:
326
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
36,880
Reviews:
326
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 37: Recognition
Chapter Number/Total: 37/44
Chapter Title: Recognition
Words: 2866 Words
Harry spent a while with Neville at the hospital, and watched him when he visited with his parents. Harry ached as he did, unable to stop the images of himself in Neville’s place, years down the road, trying to take care of a Draco who wasn’t … Draco. He felt bad for it, but he was glad when Neville left and he didn’t have to watch anymore.
He sat with Draco for hours, letting him touch the twins, talking to him and telling him what the boys had been like in only the few days he’d had them. He was holding Draco’s hand and staring at him, Caelum and Corvus both sitting in the swing Harry had brought along, when Narcissa finally arrived.
She gave Harry a smile with slightly glittering eyes as she entered into the room, and she crossed to Draco, smoothing his hair back and kissing his forehead as she would if he were awake. She sat on the edge of his bed, taking the hand Harry wasn’t holding. “Have the Healers given you anything new?” she asked.
“No,” Harry answered quietly.
She nodded, sighing and reaching to fuss with Draco’s hair again.
“What happened?” Harry asked. “With the paper?”
Narcissa drew herself up. “They were … reluctant to speak with me at first,” she said. “But I believe they will cooperate quite nicely.”
Harry looked at her curiously.
“To be frank,” Narcissa said to his look, “enough money can get you almost anything, and the threat of taking that money can work just as well.”
Harry had figured money would work its way into the equation. “What did you ask them to do?” he asked.
“Well, there was no asking,” said Narcissa. “I told them I wanted an apology printed in the paper.”
Harry frowned a little. How much would that actually do? The damage was already done, wasn’t it? Everyone knew how much money the Malfoys had. Wouldn’t they just think it was an apology because she had threatened to sue, or even offered to give money for the apology? He could already see the Skeeter article after all that. “I don’t know if that will be enough,” he said.
Narcissa frowned at him. “What exactly do you mean?”
“Neville Longbottom was here when I came up,” Harry said. “You know who that is?”
Narcissa glanced over at Neville’s parents. “Yes,” she said.
“He … he knows some things about Draco that happened back in seventh year. He told me he thinks people should know the truth, and I think I agree with him.”
Narcissa stared for a short moment. “He helped … your side,” she said. “Yes, I know.”
“You do?” Harry said, surprised. “I didn’t know he told you.”
“He did,” said Narcissa. “Quite a while ago.”
Harry wasn’t able to tell from her expression what she thought of it.
“You think people should know that?” she asked.
Harry was quiet for a moment. “Well,” he said, “after this article, after the one before it – it’s … it’s just not fair to him. He did all of that and no one knows it, no one knows how much he risked.”
“He doesn’t want people to know,” said Narcissa.
Harry looked at Draco again. “He doesn’t think they will believe him,” he said. “And maybe they wouldn’t, but at least then it would be out there. Neville said to get a reporter that will actually write the truth. He said that he would tell his part, and that Luna Lovegood would tell her part as well, and I certainly would.”
Narcissa looked at Draco too, her forehead wrinkled as she frowned. “You think it would work?”
“I think it could,” Harry said truthfully.
She continued to frown. “I will do whatever I can to earn him what he deserves, and to take away the rubbish he doesn’t.”
Harry nodded firmly.
***
He was going to do it. Harry was going to set something up with the Prophet and get the truth out there. He wasn't completely sure how he was going to go about it, but he was. He'd made up his mind.
Narcissa was going to stay with Draco for the night, and Harry felt better about that. He would rather Draco not be alone than have help with the babies, so he got ready to return home with Caelum and Corvus by himself. He planned on writing both Neville and Luna to get something set up with them, in fact, he planned on doing so right when he got in. He wasn't prepared for his kitchen table to be occupied when he arrived.
Ron and Hermione were sitting there with tea, both of them staring at him.
"Kreacher let us in," said Hermione. "I hope you don't mind. We didn't want to miss you."
Harry took a moment to settle from the small surprise. "Um, well, I suppose it's all right," he said.
"Are you ... okay?" asked Ron.
Harry frowned a little. He knew Ron was talking about the article. He knew why they were there. "I am ... now," he said slowly, making his way over to the table to sit down as well. Hermione took Corvus as Harry fumbled with the baby carrier.
Ron nodded, a serious frown on his face.
There was a short moment of quiet as both babies were settled, then Hermione said, "When we ... read that this morning ...." She winced and shook her head. "It's awful what she wrote. More than that, and I can't believe she would even dare."
Harry tensed a little. Even though, yes, he was okay compared to how he'd been that morning, he still felt disgusted talking about Rita.
"I've been thinking about it all day," Hermione continued. "Something needs to be done. She thinks she can just write whatever she wants. Well, she must have forgotten about me."
Harry looked up at her.
"Rita Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus. I never ratted her out because she agreed not to do this anymore. She must not think I'll do it. She has another think coming." Hermione's eyes flashed.
"Hermione, that – that's brilliant," Harry said, having not even thought about that. "I want to do something about this, too. I went up to the hospital today and Neville was there." He explained to them what Neville had proposed.
"This will get her good," Hermione said once he was finished, nodding. "And do good for Draco."
Harry nodded, too. "Even Draco's mum thinks so," he said. "She's a little nervous about what Lucius will think, but she says to go ahead and do it."
"Understandable," said Hermione. "We can all set up a date with Neville and Luna and get this out there."
Harry gave her a real smile. "Thank you," he said, feeling even slightly better.
Hermione smiled at him as well. "Of course," she said. "We have to clear your daddy's name," she said to Corvus.
Harry felt like his heart warmed.
"You're not in this alone, mate," said Ron, grasping Harry's shoulder and giving it a shake. "Look," he continued, pulling over a huge basket resting on the table. Judging from the delicious smell wafting from it, it was filled with food. "Mum even sent this over. Good thing, too. None of us are particularly good cooks."
Harry frowned in confusion at that.
"We want to come and stay with you," said Hermione. "Until Draco wakes up, no matter how long that might take."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Stay with me? But I don't need that, I mean ...."
"It has to be hard with just you and Draco's mum here," said Ron. "With two babies and all, plus worrying about Draco being in St Mungo's."
Hermione nodded. "We want to help," she said. "As much as we can."
Harry looked at Corvus and then at Caelum before glancing to Ron and Hermione again. "You don't have to," he said.
"We know that. We want to, Harry," Hermione said pointedly.
Harry smiled again. "Okay," he said quietly. "Thank you."
Ron shook Harry's shoulder again and Hermione smiled too, kissing Corvus' hair.
***
Harry wrote to Neville and Luna both, asking them to meet at Number Twelve that weekend.
Ron and Hermione moved in with him and he was surprised how much stress it really took away. They were both very good with Caelum and Corvus, and Narcissa didn't even seem to mind them. With four people to look after the babies, it was easier to concentrate on what they wanted to do for the new article they planned to have published, and for Harry to take a little worry off his mind, though he probably just worried twice as much about Draco.
With the threats from Narcissa, it only took a few days to get things started with the Daily Prophet. They considerately set up the meeting for the new article to fit whichever day would be best for Harry, gave them free tea and cakes, and the journalist that interviewed them, Ben Fenwick, was as nice as he could possibly be, assuring them that nothing would be twisted or lied about.
It felt good to see the paper on their knees after what they had done, and Harry only wished he could see Rita's face when she was called in for illegal Transfiguration to the Improper Use of Magic Office, as Hermione had gone straight to the Ministry and reported her.
The inhabitants of Grimmauld Place sat at the kitchen table on Monday, waiting for the newspaper to come so that they could see what the Prophet would actually come up with.
"They wouldn't dare print anything other than what you told them to," said Narcissa, sipping tea lightly.
"They're quite brave if they do," said Ron, glancing at Narcissa.
"Quite," she agreed.
Harry was waiting for the paper rather impatiently. He wanted to read it and then go to the hospital, like he did with the twins every single day. He hadn't missed a day yet, and he didn't plan to. "I wish the damned owl would just get here," he said, patting Corvus' back to burp him.
Hermione was still feeding Caelum. "It will, Harry; it will."
And it did only a few minutes later. Harry handed Corvus to Ron as he got to his feet, crossing to let the bird inside as it tapped at the window. He reached for the paper it held immediately, ignoring it when the owl stuck out its leg for the pay.
Malfoy Heir A Hero – Witnesses Come Forward
by Benjamin C. Fenwick
New evidence has come to light that Draco Malfoy, son of convicted Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy, may indeed be an unsung hero of the war against Voldemort. Contrary to early reports, not only did the young man not fight for the Death Eaters in the final battle at Hogwarts, but had been a spy for the opposition to Voldemort.
“He saved my life and dozens of others,” Neville Longbottom says. Longbottom is one of several who are celebrated for their own bravery against the Death Eaters and whom have come forward to tell a story kept secret until now. “Draco risked his life to give us information time and again that allowed us to get people out of danger and work against the Death Eaters,” Longbottom explains. He says he kept quiet before at Malfoy’s request.
“If he hadn’t arranged for extra food for myself and Mr Ollivander, I don’t know if we would have survived,” explains Luna Lovegood, who had been held prisoner inside the Malfoy Manor by the Death Eaters.
Previous reports have made much of Draco Malfoy’s unusual involvement with Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived and Destroyed Voldemort. According to Potter, young Malfoy had been reluctant to let others know of his courageous acts during the war. “He didn’t think anyone would believe him,” Potter says.
Minister Shacklebolt said he had been aware of Narcissa Malfoy’s help during the final battle, which is one of the reasons she had been pardoned. Yet, he explains, no one had told him of young Malfoy’s efforts. He did confirm that the brothers Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange had been retaliating against the Malfoys when they attacked Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter last year. “Their acts of brutality against the young man would seem to confirm these new reports as well,” Minister Shacklebolt said.
Longbottom was able to provide The Daily Prophet with an extensive list of dates and details of incidents when Draco Malfoy assisted the resistance against Voldemort. In addition, wand-maker Mr Ollivander confirmed Miss Lovegood’s story.
Unfortunately, young Malfoy is now gravely ill and at St Mungo's. His Healers are not optimistic about his recovery. Sources indicate he invented a new potion which allowed him to give birth to a child with his partner, Potter. Unexpectedly, he was able to give birth to healthy twin boys. Tragically, Malfoy suffered from complications and nearly died during childbirth.
Whether or not he recovers, Minister Shacklebolt says the Ministry is considering awarding him a medal as was done with other heroes of the war. “At least his children will know he made a difference,” the Minister said.
Harry brought the Prophet down, his eyes actually a little shiny. He was filled with relief. The article was exactly what he had wanted, if not more. He handed it silently to Narcissa.
She teared up as well as she read it, and when they had all read it, they were all smiling.
"Oh, how ridiculous," said Narcissa with a tearful laugh, wiping a finger under her eye.
"Very good," said Hermione, beaming triumphantly. "That'll shut Rita up if the big, fat fine hasn't already."
Harry grinned. "Yes," he said.
Narcissa smiled and nodded. "Imagine," she said, still tearful. "Solid recognition for Draco's actions. I had no idea they would speak to the Minister."
"He deserves it," said Harry firmly.
"I can't imagine Lucius will be able to complain about that," Narcissa continued. "His son getting a medal."
Harry had known that one of the reasons Narcissa had been nervous about doing the article was her husband.
"He would complain?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa looked over at her. Hermione was the one with whom she had the most trouble speaking, though she was getting better. "It is ... complicated with him," she said. "I have to go and see him. He hasn't even written me back."
Harry frowned. "He hasn't?" he said. "I thought he made up with Draco."
"Well, I suppose he did," said Narcissa. "Though he can't have taken any of this news well. And now ... I have to set up the visit as soon as I possibly can. I can't leave it off any longer. He's Draco's father."
Harry nodded. "I suppose that would be best," he said quietly. He very much hoped Lucius would see past everything. Draco had been so happy to be talking to his father again.
Narcissa glanced up at Harry and then down to her fingernails, but then decidedly back up. "I have actually been meaning to ask you something," she said.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
She sighed. "I really do think it could help if Lucius were to see you."
Harry raised both eyebrows. "What?" he said, wondering if she were joking.
"I do," she continued. "I think it could help him ... to better see what has been going on. And who can better tell him of the children than their father?"
Harry was shaking his head. "I – I don't know if it would help anything at all," he said. "I read his letter to Draco. He doesn't like me. Probably detests me."
"No, he doesn't like you," Narcissa agreed. "But I am quite serious. I know my husband. He is probably one of the most skilled liars in the world, but to be lied to is probably what he hates most. The more truthful we both are to him, the better it will be."
Harry almost wanted to laugh at that. Voldemort had done nothing but lie to Lucius and the rest of the Death Eaters. Maybe it was why Lucius' loyalty to the man had been ... scarce. But then again, was Lucius loyal to anyone but himself? Narcissa perhaps. Perhaps even Draco. Harry remembered what Draco had said about family mattering to his parents. He knew it mattered to Narcissa, and it seemed like it could matter to Lucius as well, but Harry's dislike of the man blocked out good thoughts. "My being there could make it worse," he said finally.
Narcissa sighed again. "I don't really think there is much that could make it worse," she said. "He has not been told the whole truth in months, and now knows that his son ... may never wake up."
As always, Harry's hands clenched at that and he held in his automatic response. "I'll ... think about it," he said slowly. "If you really think it will help."
She gave him a small smile. "I do," she said. "And thank you."
Harry nodded, and then jumped when the owl at the window pecked his hand, still holding out its leg.
Chapter Title: Recognition
Words: 2866 Words
Harry spent a while with Neville at the hospital, and watched him when he visited with his parents. Harry ached as he did, unable to stop the images of himself in Neville’s place, years down the road, trying to take care of a Draco who wasn’t … Draco. He felt bad for it, but he was glad when Neville left and he didn’t have to watch anymore.
He sat with Draco for hours, letting him touch the twins, talking to him and telling him what the boys had been like in only the few days he’d had them. He was holding Draco’s hand and staring at him, Caelum and Corvus both sitting in the swing Harry had brought along, when Narcissa finally arrived.
She gave Harry a smile with slightly glittering eyes as she entered into the room, and she crossed to Draco, smoothing his hair back and kissing his forehead as she would if he were awake. She sat on the edge of his bed, taking the hand Harry wasn’t holding. “Have the Healers given you anything new?” she asked.
“No,” Harry answered quietly.
She nodded, sighing and reaching to fuss with Draco’s hair again.
“What happened?” Harry asked. “With the paper?”
Narcissa drew herself up. “They were … reluctant to speak with me at first,” she said. “But I believe they will cooperate quite nicely.”
Harry looked at her curiously.
“To be frank,” Narcissa said to his look, “enough money can get you almost anything, and the threat of taking that money can work just as well.”
Harry had figured money would work its way into the equation. “What did you ask them to do?” he asked.
“Well, there was no asking,” said Narcissa. “I told them I wanted an apology printed in the paper.”
Harry frowned a little. How much would that actually do? The damage was already done, wasn’t it? Everyone knew how much money the Malfoys had. Wouldn’t they just think it was an apology because she had threatened to sue, or even offered to give money for the apology? He could already see the Skeeter article after all that. “I don’t know if that will be enough,” he said.
Narcissa frowned at him. “What exactly do you mean?”
“Neville Longbottom was here when I came up,” Harry said. “You know who that is?”
Narcissa glanced over at Neville’s parents. “Yes,” she said.
“He … he knows some things about Draco that happened back in seventh year. He told me he thinks people should know the truth, and I think I agree with him.”
Narcissa stared for a short moment. “He helped … your side,” she said. “Yes, I know.”
“You do?” Harry said, surprised. “I didn’t know he told you.”
“He did,” said Narcissa. “Quite a while ago.”
Harry wasn’t able to tell from her expression what she thought of it.
“You think people should know that?” she asked.
Harry was quiet for a moment. “Well,” he said, “after this article, after the one before it – it’s … it’s just not fair to him. He did all of that and no one knows it, no one knows how much he risked.”
“He doesn’t want people to know,” said Narcissa.
Harry looked at Draco again. “He doesn’t think they will believe him,” he said. “And maybe they wouldn’t, but at least then it would be out there. Neville said to get a reporter that will actually write the truth. He said that he would tell his part, and that Luna Lovegood would tell her part as well, and I certainly would.”
Narcissa looked at Draco too, her forehead wrinkled as she frowned. “You think it would work?”
“I think it could,” Harry said truthfully.
She continued to frown. “I will do whatever I can to earn him what he deserves, and to take away the rubbish he doesn’t.”
Harry nodded firmly.
***
He was going to do it. Harry was going to set something up with the Prophet and get the truth out there. He wasn't completely sure how he was going to go about it, but he was. He'd made up his mind.
Narcissa was going to stay with Draco for the night, and Harry felt better about that. He would rather Draco not be alone than have help with the babies, so he got ready to return home with Caelum and Corvus by himself. He planned on writing both Neville and Luna to get something set up with them, in fact, he planned on doing so right when he got in. He wasn't prepared for his kitchen table to be occupied when he arrived.
Ron and Hermione were sitting there with tea, both of them staring at him.
"Kreacher let us in," said Hermione. "I hope you don't mind. We didn't want to miss you."
Harry took a moment to settle from the small surprise. "Um, well, I suppose it's all right," he said.
"Are you ... okay?" asked Ron.
Harry frowned a little. He knew Ron was talking about the article. He knew why they were there. "I am ... now," he said slowly, making his way over to the table to sit down as well. Hermione took Corvus as Harry fumbled with the baby carrier.
Ron nodded, a serious frown on his face.
There was a short moment of quiet as both babies were settled, then Hermione said, "When we ... read that this morning ...." She winced and shook her head. "It's awful what she wrote. More than that, and I can't believe she would even dare."
Harry tensed a little. Even though, yes, he was okay compared to how he'd been that morning, he still felt disgusted talking about Rita.
"I've been thinking about it all day," Hermione continued. "Something needs to be done. She thinks she can just write whatever she wants. Well, she must have forgotten about me."
Harry looked up at her.
"Rita Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus. I never ratted her out because she agreed not to do this anymore. She must not think I'll do it. She has another think coming." Hermione's eyes flashed.
"Hermione, that – that's brilliant," Harry said, having not even thought about that. "I want to do something about this, too. I went up to the hospital today and Neville was there." He explained to them what Neville had proposed.
"This will get her good," Hermione said once he was finished, nodding. "And do good for Draco."
Harry nodded, too. "Even Draco's mum thinks so," he said. "She's a little nervous about what Lucius will think, but she says to go ahead and do it."
"Understandable," said Hermione. "We can all set up a date with Neville and Luna and get this out there."
Harry gave her a real smile. "Thank you," he said, feeling even slightly better.
Hermione smiled at him as well. "Of course," she said. "We have to clear your daddy's name," she said to Corvus.
Harry felt like his heart warmed.
"You're not in this alone, mate," said Ron, grasping Harry's shoulder and giving it a shake. "Look," he continued, pulling over a huge basket resting on the table. Judging from the delicious smell wafting from it, it was filled with food. "Mum even sent this over. Good thing, too. None of us are particularly good cooks."
Harry frowned in confusion at that.
"We want to come and stay with you," said Hermione. "Until Draco wakes up, no matter how long that might take."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Stay with me? But I don't need that, I mean ...."
"It has to be hard with just you and Draco's mum here," said Ron. "With two babies and all, plus worrying about Draco being in St Mungo's."
Hermione nodded. "We want to help," she said. "As much as we can."
Harry looked at Corvus and then at Caelum before glancing to Ron and Hermione again. "You don't have to," he said.
"We know that. We want to, Harry," Hermione said pointedly.
Harry smiled again. "Okay," he said quietly. "Thank you."
Ron shook Harry's shoulder again and Hermione smiled too, kissing Corvus' hair.
***
Harry wrote to Neville and Luna both, asking them to meet at Number Twelve that weekend.
Ron and Hermione moved in with him and he was surprised how much stress it really took away. They were both very good with Caelum and Corvus, and Narcissa didn't even seem to mind them. With four people to look after the babies, it was easier to concentrate on what they wanted to do for the new article they planned to have published, and for Harry to take a little worry off his mind, though he probably just worried twice as much about Draco.
With the threats from Narcissa, it only took a few days to get things started with the Daily Prophet. They considerately set up the meeting for the new article to fit whichever day would be best for Harry, gave them free tea and cakes, and the journalist that interviewed them, Ben Fenwick, was as nice as he could possibly be, assuring them that nothing would be twisted or lied about.
It felt good to see the paper on their knees after what they had done, and Harry only wished he could see Rita's face when she was called in for illegal Transfiguration to the Improper Use of Magic Office, as Hermione had gone straight to the Ministry and reported her.
The inhabitants of Grimmauld Place sat at the kitchen table on Monday, waiting for the newspaper to come so that they could see what the Prophet would actually come up with.
"They wouldn't dare print anything other than what you told them to," said Narcissa, sipping tea lightly.
"They're quite brave if they do," said Ron, glancing at Narcissa.
"Quite," she agreed.
Harry was waiting for the paper rather impatiently. He wanted to read it and then go to the hospital, like he did with the twins every single day. He hadn't missed a day yet, and he didn't plan to. "I wish the damned owl would just get here," he said, patting Corvus' back to burp him.
Hermione was still feeding Caelum. "It will, Harry; it will."
And it did only a few minutes later. Harry handed Corvus to Ron as he got to his feet, crossing to let the bird inside as it tapped at the window. He reached for the paper it held immediately, ignoring it when the owl stuck out its leg for the pay.
Malfoy Heir A Hero – Witnesses Come Forward
by Benjamin C. Fenwick
New evidence has come to light that Draco Malfoy, son of convicted Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy, may indeed be an unsung hero of the war against Voldemort. Contrary to early reports, not only did the young man not fight for the Death Eaters in the final battle at Hogwarts, but had been a spy for the opposition to Voldemort.
“He saved my life and dozens of others,” Neville Longbottom says. Longbottom is one of several who are celebrated for their own bravery against the Death Eaters and whom have come forward to tell a story kept secret until now. “Draco risked his life to give us information time and again that allowed us to get people out of danger and work against the Death Eaters,” Longbottom explains. He says he kept quiet before at Malfoy’s request.
“If he hadn’t arranged for extra food for myself and Mr Ollivander, I don’t know if we would have survived,” explains Luna Lovegood, who had been held prisoner inside the Malfoy Manor by the Death Eaters.
Previous reports have made much of Draco Malfoy’s unusual involvement with Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived and Destroyed Voldemort. According to Potter, young Malfoy had been reluctant to let others know of his courageous acts during the war. “He didn’t think anyone would believe him,” Potter says.
Minister Shacklebolt said he had been aware of Narcissa Malfoy’s help during the final battle, which is one of the reasons she had been pardoned. Yet, he explains, no one had told him of young Malfoy’s efforts. He did confirm that the brothers Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange had been retaliating against the Malfoys when they attacked Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter last year. “Their acts of brutality against the young man would seem to confirm these new reports as well,” Minister Shacklebolt said.
Longbottom was able to provide The Daily Prophet with an extensive list of dates and details of incidents when Draco Malfoy assisted the resistance against Voldemort. In addition, wand-maker Mr Ollivander confirmed Miss Lovegood’s story.
Unfortunately, young Malfoy is now gravely ill and at St Mungo's. His Healers are not optimistic about his recovery. Sources indicate he invented a new potion which allowed him to give birth to a child with his partner, Potter. Unexpectedly, he was able to give birth to healthy twin boys. Tragically, Malfoy suffered from complications and nearly died during childbirth.
Whether or not he recovers, Minister Shacklebolt says the Ministry is considering awarding him a medal as was done with other heroes of the war. “At least his children will know he made a difference,” the Minister said.
Harry brought the Prophet down, his eyes actually a little shiny. He was filled with relief. The article was exactly what he had wanted, if not more. He handed it silently to Narcissa.
She teared up as well as she read it, and when they had all read it, they were all smiling.
"Oh, how ridiculous," said Narcissa with a tearful laugh, wiping a finger under her eye.
"Very good," said Hermione, beaming triumphantly. "That'll shut Rita up if the big, fat fine hasn't already."
Harry grinned. "Yes," he said.
Narcissa smiled and nodded. "Imagine," she said, still tearful. "Solid recognition for Draco's actions. I had no idea they would speak to the Minister."
"He deserves it," said Harry firmly.
"I can't imagine Lucius will be able to complain about that," Narcissa continued. "His son getting a medal."
Harry had known that one of the reasons Narcissa had been nervous about doing the article was her husband.
"He would complain?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa looked over at her. Hermione was the one with whom she had the most trouble speaking, though she was getting better. "It is ... complicated with him," she said. "I have to go and see him. He hasn't even written me back."
Harry frowned. "He hasn't?" he said. "I thought he made up with Draco."
"Well, I suppose he did," said Narcissa. "Though he can't have taken any of this news well. And now ... I have to set up the visit as soon as I possibly can. I can't leave it off any longer. He's Draco's father."
Harry nodded. "I suppose that would be best," he said quietly. He very much hoped Lucius would see past everything. Draco had been so happy to be talking to his father again.
Narcissa glanced up at Harry and then down to her fingernails, but then decidedly back up. "I have actually been meaning to ask you something," she said.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
She sighed. "I really do think it could help if Lucius were to see you."
Harry raised both eyebrows. "What?" he said, wondering if she were joking.
"I do," she continued. "I think it could help him ... to better see what has been going on. And who can better tell him of the children than their father?"
Harry was shaking his head. "I – I don't know if it would help anything at all," he said. "I read his letter to Draco. He doesn't like me. Probably detests me."
"No, he doesn't like you," Narcissa agreed. "But I am quite serious. I know my husband. He is probably one of the most skilled liars in the world, but to be lied to is probably what he hates most. The more truthful we both are to him, the better it will be."
Harry almost wanted to laugh at that. Voldemort had done nothing but lie to Lucius and the rest of the Death Eaters. Maybe it was why Lucius' loyalty to the man had been ... scarce. But then again, was Lucius loyal to anyone but himself? Narcissa perhaps. Perhaps even Draco. Harry remembered what Draco had said about family mattering to his parents. He knew it mattered to Narcissa, and it seemed like it could matter to Lucius as well, but Harry's dislike of the man blocked out good thoughts. "My being there could make it worse," he said finally.
Narcissa sighed again. "I don't really think there is much that could make it worse," she said. "He has not been told the whole truth in months, and now knows that his son ... may never wake up."
As always, Harry's hands clenched at that and he held in his automatic response. "I'll ... think about it," he said slowly. "If you really think it will help."
She gave him a small smile. "I do," she said. "And thank you."
Harry nodded, and then jumped when the owl at the window pecked his hand, still holding out its leg.